BT calls for Virgin Media to open up fibre network

BT is making demands for competitor broadband company Virgin Media to open its fibre network and may way for other internet service providers to access its infrastructure.

Saying it was unfair for those calling for open access from BT to not reciprocate a BT spokesperson said: "We call on others to follow BT’s lead in offering to open its infrastructure and content to all on a fair basis."

The Conservative Party recently made the suggestion BT’s next-generation fibre network should be opened up to roll out improved broadband services across the country instead of relying from public funding, sourced from the controversial 50p broadband levy.

BT had already hinted it hoped to offer faster fibre broadband to five million customers by spring next year. It also revealed it had been in discussion with Ofcom since 2007 over the access of its infrastructure. Following these talks BT had agreed to let other internet service providers access its infrastructure as long as others followed suit.

In response a Virgin Media spokesperson said it would prefer to focus on developing its own network and releasing its own set of speedier products: "We’ve invested over £13bn in ultrafast broadband in the UK, launched market-leading 50Mb broadband and have announced plans for 100Mb broadband by the end of this year."

According to Neil Berkett, CEO of Virgin Media, Ofcom has previously said there is no official order for it to offer up its ducts.